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Deliquesce

(Science: chemistry) to dissolve gradually and become liquid by attracting and absorbing moisture from the air, as certain salts, acids, and alkalies. In very moist air crystals of strontites deliquesce. (Black)

Origin: L. Deliquescere to melt, dissolve; de- _ liquescere to become fluid, melt, fr. Liquere to be fluid. See liquid.